Black Christmas (1974)

Not being a huge fan of slasher films, I have been apprehensive about this particular title despite its Christmastime setting. Luckily, for me at least, the majority of the slashes are mostly concentrated in one chunk of the film. Right before Christmas break, a sorority house has been receiving obscene phone calls. Simultaneously and unbeknownst to the residents, a killer has snuck into their attic. The killer’s identity is kept secret from the other characters and from the viewers to great effect. The Christmas break setting adds good tension as the viewer witnesses murders where the other women assume the victim has just left for the holidays. The ending and killer’s motivations are left creepily ambiguous, perfect to fill in with your own imagination or allowing for sequels even if they don’t come.